Matrix 5 has been officially greenlit with original director Lana Wachowski set to executive produce, though the involvement of Keanu Reeves reprising his role as Neo remаins uncertain.
According to Variety, Warner Bros. has tapped Drew Goddard to direct the film, known for his screenplay work on The Martian. This marks the first installment in the Matrix franchise without Lana or Lilly Wachowski in the director’s chair. Goddard will also pen the script and produce alongside partner Sarah Esberg.
The most recent installment, The Matrix: Resurrections, directed by Lana Wachowski in 2021, featured Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss as Trinity, along with Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Jonathan Groff, Neil Patrick Harris, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas. Casting details for the upcoming film are currently under wraps.
Jesse Ehrman, Warner Bros. Motion Pictures’ president of production, expressed support for Goddard, stating, “Drew came to Warner Bros. with a new idea that we all believe would be an incredible way to continue the Matrix world, by both honoring what Lana and Lilly began over 25 years ago and offering a unique perspective based on his own love of the series and characters.” He added, “The entire team at Warner Bros. Discovery is thrilled for Drew to be making this new Matrix film, adding his vision to the cinematic canon the Wachowskis spent a quarter of a century building here at the studio.”
In response, Goddard expressed his admiration for the Wachowskis’ work and his excitement for the opportunity to contribute to the franchise, stating, “It is not hyperbole to sаy The Matrix films changed both cinema and my life. Lana and Lilly’s exquisite artistry inspires me on a daily basis, and I am beyond grateful for the chance to tell stories in their world.”
The Matrix franchise revolves around Thomas Anderson, also known as Neo, leading a human resistance against self-aware machines and artificial intelligence programs.
The first film premiered in 1999, followed by sequels in 2003, all of which garnered critical acclaim and Academy Awards recognition.
The fourth installment, The Matrix Resurrections, helmed solely by Lana Wachowski, received mixed to positive reviews and grossed over $157.3 million worldwide at the box office. While Lilly Wachowski wasn’t directly involved, she gave her blessing for the project to proceed.
